Controlled high pressure separator for production fluids

A method of operating a production fluids separator comprising:

• providing a production fluids separator, the production fluids separator comprising:
• a wall having an inlet end, an upper surface and a lower surface;
• an inlet at the inlet end configured to receive production fluids from a flow line extending from a well head;
• a gas outlet residing along the upper surface of the vessel, the gas outlet comprising a valve configured to open and close in response to control signals, wherein the valve serves as a back-pressure regulator valve for the separator;
• a water dump valve residing along the lower surface of the vessel, the water dump valve comprising an actuator configured to open and close the water dump valve in response to level control signals generated by a level control sensor in a water zone within the fluids separator;
• an oil dump valve also residing along the lower surface of the vessel, the water dump valve comprising an actuator configured to open and close the oil dump valve in response to level control signals generated by a level control sensor in an oil zone within the fluids separator;
• and
• a controller, wherein the controller is configured to periodically receive separator data indicative of fluid flow through the flow line, and adjust a pressure setpoint for the back-pressure regulator valve in real time by sending signals (PB) to the back-pressure control valve for opening and closing the gas outlet;
• placing the inlet of the separator in fluid communication with the flow line, with the well head receiving production fluids from a production tubing within a wellbore;
• when the controller determines that the separator data is indicative of a rising level of oil and water in the separator, sending a signal to increase the pressure setpoint for the back-pressure regulator valve;
• and
• when the controller determines that the separator data is no longer indicative of a rising level of oil and water in the separator, sending a signal to decrease the pressure setpoint for the back-pressure regulator valve;
• thereby controlling back-pressure and limiting emergency shut-downs (“ESD's”) at the well head.